Netflix lets you watch some original movies, TV shows without a subscription
The streaming giant offers up some of its popular titles for free.
- Carrie has lived on both coasts and can definitively say that Chesapeake Bay blue crabs are the best.
You can watch the first episode of Netflix series Stranger Things without a subscription.
Netflix is giving people a taste of its original movies and TV series, even if they don't have a subscription. By heading to netflix.com/watch-free, people can take in a handful of popular titles -- including Stranger Things, Bird Box, Murder Mystery, When They See Us and others -- for free without signing up for a Netflix account.
For TV series, you only get the first episode, but movies are available in full. At the end of each, you get a message encouraging you to sign up for Netflix.
"Netflix is the premiere destination for all your entertainment needs. But don't take our word for it – check out some of our favorite movies and TV shows, absolutely free," reads a message greeting people at the top of the watch free section. The company also notes that the movies and show available for free may change from time to time.
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Netflix says in a support page that people can access its free movies and TV episodes via web browser on computers and Android devices, but iOS browsers aren't supported.
"We're looking at different marketing promotions to attract new members and give them a great Netflix experience," said a Netflix spokesperson on Monday.
The company has seen a surge in growth amid the coronavirus pandemic, but also has warned that it's likely pulling forward members who would've joined later in the year anyway. The streaming giant continues to look for ways to entice new subscribers as it finds itself facing a growing field of rivals, including Disney Plus, Comcast's NBCUniversal's Peacock, HBO Max and others.
